Who the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for
#- Skilled workers who meet a province or territory’s criteria
- Candidates with work, study, or job ties to a specific province
- Applicants seeking a nomination to strengthen a PR application
Eligibility nuances
#Eligibility depends on the province or territory and the specific stream you apply to.
Even with a nomination, you must still meet federal admissibility requirements.
Official IRCC guidance to review
#Use the official IRCC guidance before applying for a Canada visa or permit.
Canada visa requirements checklist
#- Meet the province or territory’s specific stream criteria
- Valid job offer or local ties (if required by the stream)
- Ability to settle in the nominating province
- Meet federal admissibility requirements
- Biometrics and medical exams if required during federal processing
Documents and evidence (IRCC checklist)
#- Job offer and employer documents (if required)
- Education and credential evidence
- Work experience and reference letters
- Provincial nomination certificate (once approved)
- Settlement funds or financial evidence (if required)
Comparing options? Review Express Entry and Employer-Specific Work Permit before you finalize your Canada visa pathway.
Canada documents checklistCanada visa application steps
#- Select a province and identify the correct PNP stream.
- Submit an expression of interest if the stream uses one.
- Apply to the province and receive a nomination.
- Submit a PR application through Express Entry or the non-EE route.
- Complete biometrics, medicals, and post-nomination steps.
If this pathway doesn’t fit, compare Express Entry and Employer-Specific Work Permit before you finalize your plan.
Canada processing times
#Processing times depend on program, country of residence, and application completeness. Timeline includes provincial processing plus federal PR processing.
IRCC processing times toolCommon mistakes that cause delays
#- Applying to the wrong stream or missing local eligibility rules
- Submitting incomplete employer or settlement documentation
- Failing to show intent to live in the nominating province
- Missing provincial invitation deadlines or document windows
Common misconceptions
#- A PNP nomination guarantees permanent residence.
- All PNP streams follow the same rules.
- You can immediately relocate to any province after nomination.
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Can I use a PNP nomination inside Express Entry?
Yes. Many streams are aligned with Express Entry and provide additional CRS points after nomination.
Do all provinces use the same PNP rules?
No. Each province and territory sets its own PNP streams, eligibility criteria, and application steps.
What is the difference between base and Express Entry PNP?
Express Entry-aligned streams connect to the federal pool, while base streams use a separate provincial process before federal PR submission.
Do PNPs guarantee permanent residence?
No. A nomination supports a PR application, but you still must meet federal admissibility requirements.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-30
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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